The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States (U.S.) have signed a Joint Statement of Intent to fast-track patent grants in the UAE during the 66th Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva. The Agreement was concluded between the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The Agreement allows the UAE’s patent office to recognize positive examination results of the USPTO while examining the Emirati patent applications.
The aim of the agreement is to accelerate patent grants in the UAE and shall position the UAE as a regional hub for intellectual property rights protection. Further accelerated patent grants shall provide timely protection to entrepreneurs for their inventions and promote an innovation-driven environment in the country.
ELIGIBILITY
The Agreement will benefit an inventor or an organization that has received a positive examination outcome from the USPTO and has filed an international application in the UAE of the same patent. The application filed in the UAE must comply with the local legal and filing requirements.
BENEFITS
The understanding between both countries will have a positive impact, including the following:
1. The Agreement will directly result in faster processing of the patent examination process and eventually shorten the time taken to grant patents, which can usually take years.
2. Accelerated protection also allows innovators and businesses to get timely protection for their research, which is essential in fast-moving sectors of pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, electronics, and others.
3. The UAE’s economy shall also have a positive impact as it is fast becoming a preferred business location for not just entrepreneurs but also established businesses. UAE’s strong legal framework for intellectual property will allow businesses to use it as a base to expand into other countries of the MENA region.
4. An accelerated grant of protection will enable businesses to take enforcement action against infringement and have commercialization strategies in place.
CONCLUSION
The UAE–U.S. cooperation is a significant step that can help the UAE to become a preferred jurisdiction for innovative businesses to set up shop. It is a country that is already renowned for its strong legal system in civil, criminal, and commercial matters. This agreement between the countries will strengthen it in the space of intellectual property law as well.
For more information, you may contact:
Thomas Paoletti
Francesca Romana Valeri
Fauzia Khan
“This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.”
